We live in tense times. People are divided on just about everything. We see rioting in the streets and yelling almost every time we turn around these days. If you needed any more evidence of the divisions facing our nation stop and ponder the fact that a virus has become a political pawn. The year 2020 has been a difficult one for sure. And yet, there is unique opportunity for the church to provide stability in the midst of the chaos. It can be a slippery slope and we need wisdom and discernment more than ever as we engage with a culture that is set on edge. Here are a few principles for us to consider as we seek to love others and exalt Christ through this difficult times.
- Let the first voice you listen to be His (Psalm 119:147; Isaiah 33:2; 50:4). It is not accidental that the scriptures call us to seek God in the morning. That does not mean it is wrong to do your devotions or Bible reading in the evening, but for the biblical writers it meant that the voice of the Lord had primacy in their lives and was used to recalibrate them each day before they began to enter the chaotic world. Don’t let Facebook, Fox News, CNN, or Twitter be the first whisper you hear each day. Learn to feast on the Bread of Life every morning and there will be less room in your stomach to consume the angry drivel that floods the airwaves.
- Listen first and then respond (Proverbs 18:2, 6-7, 13, 15, 17). I am amazed how often I am asked for my opinion on things I don’t know enough about yet. Regularly on the news I’ll hear someone says, “Why has so and so not spoken on this yet?” Maybe they don’t know enough to have an intelligent opinion. Not all opinions are created equal. I may have an opinion on a surgical procedure, but the opinion of an actual surgeon should carry more weight with you. As the church I pray we learn to listen first, view things through a Biblical lens, and then respond with grace, kindness, and Biblical boldness where needed.
- Seek the law of Christ above all things (Matthew 22:34-40). Too often I find myself trying to win an argument rather than seeking to love God and love others. This does not mean patronizing people. You can win an argument and lose a soul. I see so much division in the church play itself out, not so much on Sunday morning, but on the internet. I don’t do social media precisely for this reason. In my opinion it often gives uneducated and passionate people what I call “pixelated courage.” People tend to say and receive things in a way they never would in person. So, let us consider how our tweets and posts present themselves and how they might be received.
- Seek to be on the right side of God and no the right side of history (Isaiah 40:1-8). James reminds us that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). Culture is a moving target and sin is not content with winning a corner of this world. It wants to destroy, consume, and stake its claim over that which God has created. We are to tend and care for this garden in the way Adam did. This means contending for truth, pulling weeds, and cultivating fertile ground that we might bring forth fruit. The gospel brings order into the chaos. We need to know it better, lean into it more, and proclaim it more boldly.
- Finally, remember that you have been created for this time (Psalm 139). Remembering the “good ole days” is always a temptation, but let us never forget that God has made you for now. Where He creates and calls He also provides. You know the King and that is enough! I am reminded of Jesus words in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” We must be people who have peace, and make peace, because we kneel before the Prince of Peace.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Nate Gast
